Notes: Played defensive end and linebacker at Cincinnati's Archbishop Moeller. In 2007, became the first freshman to lead the Spartans in tackling since 1976 despite not starting until Week Six. Played all 13 games, starting seven on the strong side, and recorded 78 tackles (team-high 12 on kickoff coverage), 8½ for loss and 4½ sacks with one pass breakup and a forced fumble. Started all 13 games in '08 - eight at SLB, five in the middle after making a switch to put him in position to make more plays - and tallied 127-14-2 with a pass breakup. Was the Big Ten's leading tackler in '09, registering 154-14-9 with a pass breakup and a forced fumble in 13 starts at the MLB spot. In '10, amassed 106-10-1 with three pass breakups, two interceptions and three forced fumbles in 13 starts at "Mike" 'backer. Team captain.

Negatives: Small-framed and lacks ideal height and bulk. Needs to get stronger. Can be run at - limited take-on strength and is not stout at the point of attack. Engulfed by larger blockers. Would rather slip or run around blocks. Plays short-armed and does not play with pop or power in his hands to quickly disengage. Average speed, athletic ability and explosion. Takes short, choppy steps. Not a striker. Hip tightness shows in space. Not a creative or powerful blitzer.

Summary: Instinctive, football-smart, experienced, highly productive tackling machine who bulked up as a senior and appeared to lose a step, causing evaluators to question the value of an average-sized linebacker who is not exceptionally fast or strong. Will not be one of the best players on a great NFL defense, but has starter potential and, at worst, will be a core special-teams player. Would be better off closer to 230 pounds and fits best in a fast-flowing, one-gapping scheme like that of the Titans, Colts, Bears or Buccaneers.